South Antrim U-14 Fr Mullan Plate semi-final
Lámh Dhearg 3-14-1-02 St Brigid’s B
Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown
Lámh Dhearg U-14 footballers followed in the steps of the U-12s two days before and won their semi-final clash- defeating St Brigids in the last four Fr Mullan plate clash at Hannahstown this morning.
The hosts laid siege in St Brigid’s goal in the early exchanges but couldn’t find the break through and against the run of play fell behind to a goal from Donncha McGurk- the full forward capitalised on a defensive mishap and guided the ball to the net.
Sean McCarthy got Lámh Dhearg off the mark a few minutes later but Joseph Mulgrew replied from a converted free at the other end.
Ronan Webb was part of the U-12 side who qualified for the O’Donnell plate decider on Friday evening and would play his part this morning.
He steered a shot over the bar and converted a free in the aftermath before his side hit the front through Sean McCarthy.
The towering midfielder powered through on goal and shot low to the net to give his side a 1-03-1-01 lead.
Owen Bready hit back to make it a one-point game but three unanswered points ensured Lámh Dhearg held a four-point lead at the interval.
Conor McConville popped the ball between the posts and Ronan Webb swivelled and shot over before converting a second free of the half to make it 1-06-1-02 at the midway point.
Lámh Dhearg carried the late momentum into the second period with early scores from Sean McCarthy, Calum Fegan, a double from Ronan Webb and a converted Matthew Murray free.
A second goal arrived ten minutes after the restart and it was a second of the day for Sean McCarthy.
McCarthy broke a break-ball and slipped on the greasy surface but after getting back up was able to make himself an option and after receiving the ball had the presence of mind to float it over the keeper and into the net.
St Brigid’s didn’t drop their heads and continued to battle in the game but Calum Fegan, Ronan Webb and Matthew Murray (free) picked off further scores.
The scoring was complete late-on as Odhran Lee finished to the net to ensure the Hannahstown side ran out winners and booked their place in the decider in two-weeks time.
